Northern lights seen in these 14 states this week

The evening sky could also be illuminated over the following few days in additional than a dozen northern US states, courtesy of a pure phenomenon generally known as the Northern Lights.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) researchers report that the celestial glow ought to be visible through Wednesday, Aug. 20, in at the very least 14 states.

Formally generally known as the aurora borealis, in accordance with the National Weather Service, the colourful evening skies are attributable to the interplay between Earth’s magnetic discipline and the Sun’s plasma.

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What is the Okay-index?

According to the company, NOAA is predicting a geomagnetic K-index of 5. The index, according to NOAA, signifies how distant from the poles the Northern Lights is perhaps seen.

The Okay-index (additionally known as Kp) stands for “Planetary Index” and is an indicator of disturbances within the Earth’s magnetic discipline.

It ranges from 0 to 9, in accordance with NOAA, and a Kp rating between 3 and 5 signifies brighter exercise.

Using the geomagnetic storm scale, NOAA ranked the anticipated occasion as 1 − thought of a minor incidence.

Which states will see Northern Lights this week?

Here’s what states might catch a glimpse of the aurora this week, in accordance with a NOAA map:

• Washington
• Idaho
• Montana
• North Dakota
• South Dakota
• Minnesota
• Wisconsin
• Michigan
• Iowa
• New York
• Vermont
• New Hampshire
• Maine
• Wyoming
• Alaska

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Northern Lights images

Contributing: USA TODAY’s Melina Khan

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and observe her on X @nataliealund.